The Unique Joys Of A Double Wedding

A double wedding is when two couples get married during the same ceremony. It's a rare occurrence, but it does happen, and it can be a great way for siblings, cousins, or best friends to share their special day and resources. One of the main benefits of a double wedding is that it can save money, as the couples only need to hire one venue, band, and photographer. It's also more exciting and fun, with double the joy and twice the number of guests. However, it can be tricky to navigate, especially if both couples want their own version of traditions like the first dance or garter toss. It's important to plan and compromise to ensure that everyone involved is comfortable and happy with the arrangements.

Benefits of a double wedding

A double wedding is a single marriage ceremony and reception for two couples. While they don't happen often, they can be a great way for sisters, cousins, best friends, and even brothers to share the costs of their special day. Here are some benefits of having a double wedding:

Cost-Sharing

One of the biggest advantages of a double wedding is the sharing of costs. Weddings can be expensive, and having two couples splitting the cost can make things much more affordable. This can allow couples to have a more elaborate wedding or a more extravagant honeymoon. It can also be a great option for couples who have a small budget.

Support and Help

Another significant benefit of a double wedding is the support and help that comes from having another couple involved in the planning process. Wedding planning can be stressful, but with a double wedding, the brides can lean on each other for help and make the experience more enjoyable and less overwhelming.

Travel Convenience for Guests

A double wedding can be a convenient option for out-of-town friends and family, who only need to make a single trip instead of travelling twice for two separate weddings. This is especially beneficial for guests who would otherwise have to choose between attending one wedding or the other due to time or financial constraints.

Larger Celebration

With two sources of financing, a double wedding can result in a larger and more lavish celebration. There will likely be more guests, and the combined budgets can allow for a more extravagant venue, catering, and entertainment.

Bonding and Togetherness

A double wedding is a unique way to share a special day with someone you love, such as a best friend or sibling. It can deepen the bond between the couples and their partners, as they go through this significant life moment together and create lasting memories.

While there are benefits to a double wedding, it's important to consider potential challenges as well. Successful double weddings require careful planning, compromise, and open communication between all parties involved.

Planning a double wedding

A double wedding is a single marriage ceremony and reception for two couples. It is usually between two siblings, cousins, or best friends. Planning a double wedding can be a great way to save costs and ensure a larger celebration with more guests. Here are some tips to consider when planning a double wedding:

Guest List and Invitations

When planning a double wedding, it is important to consider the guest list and ensure there is a significant overlap between the two couples' guest lists. This will help reduce costs and make the event more intimate. Be sure to include both couples' names on the invitation to give them top billing. If there is a concern about guest confusion, include a separate insert explaining the double wedding and direct them to a wedding website for more information.

Aesthetic and Theme

It is crucial that the two couples have similar visions for their wedding day. Discuss and establish a shared aesthetic and theme that everyone can agree on. This includes the colour palette, venue, and overall vibe of the wedding. Compromise is essential to ensure that no one feels left out.

Wedding Party

The presence of a wedding party can add complexity to a double wedding. Consider forgoing a wedding party altogether to simplify the process. If having a wedding party is important to you, establish clear guidelines for selecting members to ensure fairness and avoid hurt feelings. Alternatively, let each couple have their own wedding party and alternate the order when walking down the aisle to emphasise the togetherness of the event.

Time Management

When planning a double wedding, allocate extra time for certain vendors, such as makeup artists, hairstylists, and photographers. These vendors will need to accommodate a larger number of people, and you'll want to ensure you have plenty of time for portraits and other memorable moments.

Budget and Finances

Discuss budget and finances openly and honestly. Since a double wedding involves two couples, it is important to set clear expectations and contribute fairly to the overall budget. Remember that a double wedding can help reduce costs by sharing expenses for the venue, band, and other big-ticket items.

Vows and Ceremony

The ceremony for a double wedding will require some additional planning. Practice the flow of the service with everyone involved to ensure a smooth and seamless experience. Discuss and decide on the order of events, such as lighting the unity candle and taking vows. Keep the vows separated by couple to maintain the sacredness of the moment.

Reception and Celebrations

At the reception, consider having two sweetheart tables for each couple, decorated to their individual tastes. You can also have a long table for the wedding party and parents. While some elements can be shared, such as the first dance and toasts, allow each couple to have their own cake, bouquet toss, and other personalised moments.

Who walks down the aisle and when?

A double wedding is when two couples get married during the same ceremony. This can be two siblings, cousins, or friends who choose to share their special day.

The short answer is that it's up to you. There are many ways to approach this and it will depend on the family dynamics and relationships of those involved. Here are some options and things to consider:

• The bridal party: It is common for the groomsmen to act as ushers, seating guests before the bride enters. The bridesmaids then enter individually or in pairs, followed by the maid of honour.
• The grooms: The grooms can enter from the side, or walk in with the groomsmen. Alternatively, they can enter first, before the bridal party.
• Parents and grandparents: If the aisle is large enough, the father of the bride/s can escort both brides, or one bride each. Alternatively, one bride can be escorted by her father, and the other by her brother, uncle, or grandfather. If the father is not in the picture, another family member or parent figure can be chosen. If grandparents are to be included, their mobility should be considered.
• In pairs: The brides can be escorted by two family members each, such as their father and brother, or father and stepfather.
• Alone: The brides can also choose to walk down the aisle unaccompanied, showcasing their independence.
• With their partner: The brides can walk down the aisle with their partner, symbolising the start of their shared lives.
• In a specific order: The eldest bride can go first, followed by the younger bride.
• With pets or children: Including pets or children in the bridal party can make the ceremony more emotional and memorable.

The options are endless and can be tailored to suit the dynamics and preferences of those involved. Ultimately, the decision of who walks down the aisle and when should be a personal choice that symbolises the couple's core values.

Who is the star of the wedding?

A double wedding is when two couples get married during the same ceremony. This usually involves two siblings or cousins, but it can also be two friends who decide to share their big day.

A wedding is a special day for the couple getting married, and some couples may not like the idea of sharing the limelight with another couple. It is important to ensure that a double wedding does not turn into a popularity contest, with more emphasis on one marriage than the other.

To avoid this, each couple can have their own sweetheart table at the reception, with one long table for the wedding party. Each couple could also have their own cake, garter and bouquet toss. However, other elements, like the first dance, toasts, reception decorations and wedding favours, can be shared.

When it comes to the invitation, it is important to ensure that both couples' names are reflected, so guests won't be surprised at the ceremony. If the brides are sisters, list the oldest sister first. For example: "Your presence is requested at the marriage ceremonies of Jane Smith to Michael James and Janet Smith to Paul Williams".

Planning and Compromise

A double wedding requires a lot of planning and compromise to ensure that each couple's needs and wishes are met. For example, if there are two brides with the same father, decisions will need to be made about who he will walk down the aisle. It could be one bride on either side of him, or one daughter with the father and the other with a brother or uncle.

Similarly, decisions will need to be made about the colour scheme, theme and order of service. While it is important for each bride to express her own style, it is advisable to work together and keep everything harmoniously within the same colour palette. For example, using lavender for one bride and purple for the other.

Benefits of a Double Wedding

There are several benefits to having a double wedding, including cost savings, as two couples can share the costs of the venue, band and photographer. There is also twice the excitement, fun and joy, and out-of-town friends and family only need to make one trip. In addition, there won't be any clashes over wedding dates, which can be an issue when trying to accommodate guests who need to travel interstate or overseas.

Gift etiquette for guests

A double wedding is when two couples get married during the same ceremony. This can be two siblings, cousins, or friends who choose to share their special day. Now, what about gift etiquette for guests attending double weddings? Here are some tips to ensure your gift is appropriate and timely:

Use Each Couple's Wedding Registry

Firstly, take advantage of the couples' wedding registries. Most couples will have a curated wish list with items at various price points, giving you flexibility and ensuring your gift is something they truly want. If you're only close with one couple, you can direct your gift to them specifically.

Monetary Gifts Are Acceptable

If you'd prefer to give money, rest assured that this is becoming increasingly common and is no longer considered taboo. Newlyweds often appreciate financial contributions towards their future plans, such as saving for a house or a dream honeymoon.

Amount to Spend

The amount you spend depends on your relationship with the couple(s) and your budget. Generally, the closer you are to the couple, the more you might want to spend. For close friends or immediate family, $150 to $250 per person is a good range. If you're attending alone and are a distant acquaintance, $25 to $50 is more suitable. Ultimately, spend what you can comfortably afford.

Group Gifts

Group gifts are acceptable and even encouraged, especially for high-cost items on the registry. Chipping in with other guests can make your gift more generous, and it may also save you some money. Just remember to include all the givers' names on the wedding card so the couple knows who to thank.

Timing of Gifts

It's best to send gifts promptly, ideally before or soon after the wedding. Traditionally, guests have up to a year to send a gift, but sending it within three months is recommended. This ensures the couple receives it before their big day, and it's one less thing for them to worry about post-wedding.

Gifts at the Wedding

Avoid bringing physical gifts to the wedding unless there is a designated table for them. Lugging gifts back can be a hassle for the couple and may cause unnecessary stress. Monetary gifts in the form of a card, check, or cash are more suitable to bring on the day.

Gifts for Both Couples

If you're attending a double wedding and only know one couple well, you are not required to give a gift to both. One gift is sufficient for the couple you have a relationship with. This takes the pressure off guests who might feel obliged to bring two gifts.

Frequently asked questions